Joe Andruzzi Foundation

Our New Year’s Resolution: Double our Giving!

2012-02-03T08:54:00.000-08:00

Just a month into the New Year and we’re feeling more ambitious and excited than ever about the Joe Andruzzi Foundation’s goals for 2012.

2011 was a banner year for our three-year-old nonprofit, as we gave $103,000 to needy families fighting cancer. Our goal last year was to double what we gave in 2010 – $22,000. We accomplished that and so much more!

This year, we’re again aiming to DOUBLE our giving. And with the average patient grant totaling around $1,200, that means many more families will receive much-needed help with bills, crucial projects and even groceries.

It goes without saying that our amazingly generous sponsors, friends and supporters have fueled our meteoric growth. We can’t do this without you. Specifically, the support we receive during our two signature events – our annual golf tournament and gala – has allowed us to grow faster than even we could dream. Joe and I are extremely grateful and humbled by everyone who’s helped us in our mission to assist families dealing with cancer.

So this year – to build on that phenomenal support and strengthen our most valued relationships – we plan to offer donors the opportunity to partner with us in a deeper way. We want to stay connected with you all year long, allowing us to help more patients and families through giving, outings and events.

We have three major sponsors whose model we’d like to highlight. They give year-round, in a planned and automated way, which allows us to support our recipients most effectively.

Triumph Modular, Easton Pool & Spa and Sinclaire Enterprises Inc. have all pledged a part of their profits to our foundation. Every time these companies make a sale or write an invoice (sometimes on select products), dollars flow to the families we help. Triumph has, in fact, pledged a quarterly minimum donation in addition to affixing our logo to their purchased office modules, and Sinclaire urges its heating and air conditioning customers to donate to us directly, through its newsletter and web links. Obviously, we urge all our friends to support these businesses.

The strong commitment and ongoing support we receive from these amazing companies reminds us that there are so many ways to get involved in the work we do.

Companies that offer services, such as heating, automotive and home repair, can donate labor for special projects and patient needs. Stop & Shop, for example, donated $10,000 to our foundation last year, but also gave us $4,500 in gift cards for patients and families. It was a much-appreciated creative use of the company’s product that greatly benefitted the people we help.

As we move forward into the New Year, we urge you to keep our foundation in mind, and consider what you have to offer. Can you add our foundation to your company’s list for matching donations? Can you volunteer to help with patient events, outings or projects – such as building a wheelchair ramp or making home repairs?

One company recently gave us a surprise donation, when it returned more than 80 percent of a check we’d written for a patient’s new water heater. My take-away? If you own a company and receive a check from a charitable foundation, ask yourself: do I need all of this? Or could I return a little to this organization that’s helping needy people?

Our foundation is committed to helping more patients and families every year, and given our track record we’re feeling good about our goals. We want you to know when you build a partnership with us – through cash or service donations or volunteer work – you join our family, as well as our patient families. We all treasure your support as we work together to fight cancer and help each other meet life’s biggest challenges.

-Jen Andruzzi

A Life-Saving Gift

2012-01-19T12:05:00.000-08:00

As January draws to a close, Joe and I want to remind everyone that there’s a fast and easy way we can all help cancer patients (and those fighting other life-threatening illnesses) right away: GIVE BLOOD!

January is National Blood Donor Month – a wonderful excuse to support your local blood banks and start the New Year off right with a uniquely life-saving gift.

Joe received so much donated blood during his treatment for non-Hodgkin’s Burkitt’s lymphoma, and we’ll be forever grateful to the anonymous angels who made those transfusions possible. Unfortunately, as a cancer survivor, Joe can’t donate. But I make a point of giving several times every year and we’re both huge advocates for the cause. Recently, Joe attended a big drive at the Kraft Center, where he was thrilled to see so many people committed to meeting this crucial need.

To put the importance of blood donation into perspective: the Red Cross estimates someone in this country needs blood EVERY TWO SECONDS. That means 44,000 pints must be collected every day; in the Northeast, the Red Cross aims for 3,000 donations per day. In our region, that’s a daily goal of 650 pints.

More than 1 million new people are diagnosed with cancer every year. And many of them – like Joe and the patients we help – will need blood, sometimes daily, throughout their chemotherapy treatments.

You can learn more about blood donation – and find local drives – through the American Red Cross. (To make an appointment to give blood or platelets, you can also call 1-800-RED-CROSS.) Most healthy people who are at least 17 years old and weigh at least 100 pounds can give; more information about eligibility can be found here.

Winter is a tough time for donations, as snow storms, cold weather and illnesses can keep people inside – not giving as much or as often as they might during less challenging seasons. That’s why it’s more important than ever to get out and give now, when the need is most critical.

I hope you’ll join me in donating blood this month – and encourage your friends and family to give too. Joe and I both thank you for finding yet another way to give to people struggling with cancer and other serious illnesses, as we welcome a new year filled with generosity, kindness and caring!

-Jen Andruzzi

Happy New Year to the True Heroes Among Us

2012-01-05T08:44:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, everyone!

If last night is any indication, 2012 promises to be a pivotal year for the Joe Andruzzi Foundation. On behalf of the organization, I am both humbled and flattered to let you know that, during an in-game presentation on center court during the seventh game of the season, the Boston Celtics presented me with their “Heroes Among Us” award. Established as an initiative of the Celtics in 1997, “Heroes Among Us” honors individuals who have made an overwhelming impact on the lives of others.

While this award was presented to me, it truly belongs to all of you – patients, families, donors, doctors and volunteers – who help us achieve our mission to provide financial assistance to patients and their families struggling to cover every day costs, mortgage, rent and utility payments in the face of cancer care.

I accepted the distinction on behalf of all of the brave individuals, like Ethan Bairos and Samantha Bourque, who are valiantly waging war against cancer and showing courage in the face of adversity; in honor of the dedicated families like Julie and Steve Mullen, who work so hard to ensure their loved ones receive the best possible care and do everything in their power to help their patient get well; in tribute to those who have succumbed to the disease like C.J. Buckley who left an indelible mark on us and served as a major inspiration when we founded this organization; and in thanks to all of you who continue to support the Joe Andruzzi Foundation and our mission.

As I start another year with a clean bill of health – my fourth in remission – I feel so lucky to be here to be able to give back and help others battle this disease, but Jen and I could not do this without your help, so thanks to each of you for your help in extending our reach to ensure that the Joe Andruzzi Foundation is able to make an even greater impact in tackling cancer.

A huge thank you to the Boston Celtics for the tremendous honor and for hosting us for a phenomenal game. Though I’ve suited up to play in NFL stadiums and arenas comparable to the TDGarden, it was surreal to be on center court during an exciting NBA game. Go Celtics! Looking forward to Banner 18.

I’d also like to thank Jane Melchionda and Credit Unions Kids at Heart for nominating me – but really the Foundation as a whole - for the “Heroes Among Us” award. And lastly, I’d be greatly remiss if I did not also thank my lovely wife Jen for her tireless work on behalf of the organization.

Here’s to a great year that brings us one step closer to eradicating cancer.

Joe

A Time to Give Thanks

2011-11-20T19:20:00.000-08:00

The Thanksgiving season reminds us to publicly recognize all you who share our mission and as a result donate your time, money and creativity to the Joe Andruzzi Foundation. Joe and I feel both humbled and blessed.

Most recently, 800 of our friends and supporters filled the ballroom at Christina’s in Foxboro on Monday, November 7 and helped us raise over $375,000. This made the fourth annual New England Celebrities Tackle Cancer gala an overwhelming success. We also appreciated the dozen Patriots players and another dozen Patriots alumni, who walked the red carpet to enter the event, posed for photos and signed footballs for eager attendees. Bidding on the nearly 100 silent auction items and 12 live auction prizes kept everyone guessing on who would be the big winners. At the end of the evening, a two-minute football drill selling goody bags raised $6000 alone.

Many attendees kicked off the evening by attending the medical briefing. Thanks to Dr. Mark Kieran, a pediatric oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, for talking about the Joe Andruzzi Foundation’s contribution to pediatric brain cancer research. Additional thanks to Diane Thompson and Dr. Robert Cohen for their perspective on survivorship. Then, master of ceremonies Steve Burton from WBZ-TV kept the crowd engaged. Julie Mullen, mother of five-year-old cancer survivor Jackie, made everyone laugh and cry as she touched the hearts of all attendees by bravely sharing her personal story.

We are so grateful to those who sponsored our event:

Credit Union Kids at Heart (presenting sponsor)

Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company (title sponsor)

Friends of Zach, Stop & Shop and The Home Depot (touchdown sponsors)

Team Impact, Burgess Steel and RBS Citizens (extra point sponsors)

Bob’s Discount Furniture, New England Charitable Patriots Foundation, Soares Pumping, Building Automation, Lightspeed MFG, Jeff Parker Charitable Fund, East Commerce Solutions, Hocmock Area YMCA, Lelas/Madigan/Curtis Wealth Management Group, UBS Financial Services, ProMedDx, Peter Riddle, Digitas, Grampy’s Charities, Verizon, The Teuber Family (safety sponsors)

Coastway Community Bank, Ashworth Awards, Fraternal Order of Eagles, RTN, DCU, J.M. Service Company, Rockland Federal Credit Union, Specialized Roofing, Liberty Bay Credit Union (gold advertisers)

Hillview Autobody and Seasons 4 (silver advertisers)

Quincy Credit Union, Tri-Town Chamber, Barrows Insurance, Hanscom Federal Credit Union, Pediatric Dental Center of Mansfield, H.T. Berry, New Hampshire Credit Union, The Paper Store, Bridgewater Credit Union, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Triumph Modular (bronze advertisers)

Also a special thanks to 90+ Cellars, Avon, Bob Jean RJ Video Productions, Boston Beer Company, Christina’s, Coca Cola, Dan Stapleton (AV Presentations), Daniel McLaughlin, David Jacobs (Jacobs Communication), Elevate, Gary Minsky (Flexicon Graphics), Goslings, Judy’s Village Flowers, Martignetti Companies, Members Mortgage, NECTC Honorary Committee, Quality Beverage, Reebok, Rentals Unlimited and Stanley Goldberg (Hunt’s Photo & Video).

Our heartfelt appreciation also extends to our corporate sponsors and third-party event organizers. Not only have you helped us raise funds through your own campaigns, but also increase awareness with new communities.

A very special thank you goes to our dedicated Board of Directors and office staff, who continue helping the organization strive for excellence. Without your guidance and clarity, we couldn’t keep the Foundation growing and flourishing.

Overall, we’re proud of everyone joining together to make a difference for the many families still fighting their battles with cancer. If the Joe Andruzzi Foundation can help pay a mortgage, phone or cable bill that alleviates their worries than we’re doing our jobs. This is a team effort and we appreciate all of you rallying with us on Team Andruzzi. Let’s continue to rally together and help more families each year!

--Jen Andruzzi

Join Us!

2011-10-19T08:25:00.000-07:00

What are your plans for the evening of November 7? Purchase your tickets now for the Fourth Annual New England Celebrities Tackle Cancer Gala.

There are so many reasons to join us. Learn more about the Joe Andruzzi Foundation’s contribution to brain cancer research and a perspective on survivorship. This also is a great opportunity to purchase a football and get it signed by attending celebrities. Perhaps you would like to contribute by bidding on one of the amazing auction items. Maybe you don’t have a specific reason and that’s fine, too.

Tickets are limited and must be bought in advance; BUY NOW. For more information, please call 774-284-4694 or email events@joeandruzzifoundation.org. By attending this event, you will help us support more cancer families in need. Joe and I are looking forward to seeing you at Christina’s!

--Jen Andruzzi

Growing Together

2011-10-11T10:37:00.000-07:00

A garden is a planned space set aside for display, cultivation and enjoyment. Hope is the belief in a positive outcome even when circumstances seem dire. Established by The Conquer Cancer Coalition of Massachusetts (www.conquercancer.org), the Cancer Garden of Hope growing in Boston’s City Hall Plaza is a reminder that no one has to manage their cancer journey alone. Just as it takes many hands with different experiences to grow a garden, as a team we can work together to lessen cancer’s impact.

We first met with the Zuker family, founders of the Conquer Cancer Coalition, when Joe was recovering from his cancer treatment. We purchased two low numbered conquer cancer license plates. It seemed symbolic because at that time Joe wanted to put cancer in his rearview mirror and leave it all behind. Then Joe realized that it is part of who he is today and decided to work with me on helping as many people as possible by starting the Joe Andruzzi Foundation.

The Zukers felt the same way. They lost a wonderful husband and father, Michael, to lung cancer just four months after diagnosis. Going through the process, they were determined to help other people and Starting the license plates and Garden of Hope projects gives them a purpose. Now the Zukers are proud to be working with others to make a difference.

After one meeting with us while both our organizations were in the development process, Jonathan Zuker commented, “They made us feel welcome, appreciated, loved and respected. It’s like we now have a close friend in the fight against cancer.”

Both of us support each other’s organizations and events. There is a synergy in our missions of supporting family and the cancer community one step at a time. Together, we all can make a difference by bringing hope to families managing all stages of cancer. No one should face this alone.

-Jen Andruzzi

Corporate Partner Makes a Splash

2011-09-28T11:52:00.000-07:00

Giving is seasonal for the Easton Pool & Spa (www.eastonpool.com) family-owned business. In fact, looking for a new charitable cause didn’t go much further than a local backyard. Dave Hobaica, company president, met us during our pool installation. As we got to know each other better, he learned a lot more about what we do to help others in the cancer community.

After 10 years of sponsoring golf tournaments that ended in 2007, Dave decided to donate a portion of the fee from pool openings and closings. He was moved by the many families we help financially while they’re fighting cancer. Anyone (with or without a pool) can bring additional donations to their retail stores as well. Dave plans to bring a check to the New England Celebrities Tackle Cancer Gala in November along with a book inscribed with the names of all contributors.

Dave says, “No one can avoid a connection with cancer. So if we all work together and help even just one family live a brighter and happier life, it all will be worthwhile.”

We are so grateful to companies like Easton Pool and Spa for helping us with our goal of doubling the amount of financial assistance recipients in 2011. Think about ways your company can join our team of thoughtful benefactors. If you’re interested in exploring unique and meaningful corporate partnership opportunities, contact us at info@joeandruzzifoundaiton.org.

-Jen Andruzzi

Remembering an Inspirational Philanthropist

2011-07-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

Today, many communities are mourning the loss of Mrs. Myra Kraft. Recognized in the Patriots family as the "moral compass" for the team, she also served as the president for the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation.

I often was inspired by Mrs. Kraft's philanthropic drive and spirit. She donated her local celebrity status to helping a variety of organizations ranging from cancer to children's welfare to Jewish causes. Her tireless dedication, intellect and compassion were evident in all situations.

Personally, I will never forget when Mrs. Kraft attended one of the fundraising events I held for C.J. Buckley. My jaw practically dropped when I saw her come through the door, sit in the front row alongside the Buckley family and intently listen to the speakers.

Mrs. Kraft always said so many wonderful things that inspired me to continue our grassroots fundraising efforts. My heart breaks to hear that cancer snatched another precious life too early.

In the words of Maya Angelou, "How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!" As I continue in my role that includes fundraising for cancer research and providing financial assistance for cancer patients and their families, I will think of Mrs. Kraft daily -- a true she-roe.

-- Jen Andruzzi

Teenage Son Teaches Mom About Courage

2011-07-05T10:28:00.000-07:00

Joey and Debbie Llanes

Often it’s our kids who remind us what’s important in life. While we all would choose the safe and easy path, it’s the curves and unexpected detours life throws our way that show true character. Visiting patients and their families often reminds us of this vital lesson.

Joey Llanes was only 14 when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. This bright, athletic and determined high school student chalked up his stomach pains to stress and anxiety. Unfortunately, it was much worse. Yet he never complained, made a miraculous recovery and discovered a career path based on this experience. Then, when his mom was diagnosed with breast cancer just three years after his own diagnosis Joey reminded her, “It’s just a speed bump. You’ll get over it.”

Let’s all learn a lesson from this courageous teenager. Remember the blessings of family and friends. Appreciate the small things in your daily living. Even after receiving a grim diagnosis, keep a positive motivator top of mind and you can conquer anything! To read more of Joey’s story click http://joeandruzzifoundation.org/wp/patient-stories/ and help us tackle cancer’s impact by visiting http://joeandruzzifoundation.org/wp/make-a-donation/.

-Jen Andruzzi

Joe Andruzzi Foundation Receives Two Boston Marathon Numbers from the John Hancock Non-Profit Partners Program

2011-03-30T08:09:00.000-07:00

Meet Our Runners

Tim Weeks Marathon Profile

Tim Weeks

Most of the time, I consider myself very lucky. I moved to the area from Connecticut to attend Boston College (B.C.) several years ago. Now, I live in Lexington with my wife and our three beautiful daughters (ages 5, 3 and 7 months).

While I’m a tax attorney and not a trained runner, I immediately jumped on an opportunity to secure a bib number for the 2011 Boston Marathon upon seeing an email from a colleague at work. I knew it would be a challenge considering that I have never run anything more than a 5-mile Thanksgiving Day race in Connecticut and that I would have only 10 weeks to train. But, I’ve always admired the marathon runners since my days at B.C. and knew that running this marathon would be for a very good cause. So far my workouts have consisted of weekday early morning rides on my spin bike or my “Colonial” runs between the Lexington and Concord Greens.

I’ve been very fortunate to have such a happy and healthy family. Those times that I have taken my daughters to Children’s Hospital or other hospitals in the Boston area, I always have been impressed with the courage and hope of those battling diseases much more challenging than anything our family has faced. I am honored to be raising money for the Joe Andruzzi Foundation, which helps fund cancer research as well as help families undergoing cancer treatment pay for the cost of everyday bills, which often get overlooked.

It’s not difficult to run for something this important. So, I have two basic goals. One is to complete the race because I don’t want to let down those who are supporting me and those who are supported by the Joe Andruzzi Foundation. The encouragement from friends and family so far has been tremendous. The other goal is to raise $5,000 for the Joe Andruzzi Foundation. If I can commit to training and finishing the race, then I’m counting on everyone to help me raise money for this worthy cause. Every little bit counts. Please consider donating now.

Stephanie Riley Marathon Profile

It took awhile to find my passion, but it is divided between running and community service. I grew up in Wakefield, attended University of Massachusetts Lowell and now live in Saugus. I’ve always been a hard worker and when I set goals I’m determined to attain them.

Upon graduating, I took a job in the staffing department of Fidelity as an executive assistant. One of the programs I like the most at Fidelity is the “After 5 Program,” which offers different service projects such as Room to Grow and the Boston Food Bank. I try to attend at least once or twice per month. Additionally, I have an inner city pen pal I correspond with regularly. I also volunteer for the Red Sox Foundation.

Although a bit injury prone, I started running my freshman year in high school and continued through college. Last year with very little training, I finished two half marathons and the Walk for Hunger. When a co-worker mentioned a chance to get a bib number for the 2011 Boston Marathon, I jumped on the chance. I’m taking a cross-training approach and building up my mileage progressively.

Sadly, my grandfather died of colon cancer a few years ago and my uncle continues to battle chronic leukemia. Recently, my brother was in the hospital for fluid on his lungs from an infection. Each night I raced from work to the hospital and paid unplanned money for parking and meals. I experienced how draining and exhausting it can be so it’s hard to imagine how people (especially those with children) sustain this for long periods of time and for more serious illnesses. That doesn’t even cover the possible loss of income that families also encounter. Now I can appreciate even more what the Joe Andruzzi Foundation does to give families with patients undergoing cancer treatment once less thing to worry about by paying for the cost of everyday bills.

I’m finally fulfilling a childhood dream of running the marathon and just hope I finish. It’s awesome to not only run, but also help people at the same time. For me, it’s an honor to represent the Joe Andruzzi Foundation. Since it’s my first time fundraising, I’ll need everyone’s help to meet my goal of raising $5,000 for the Joe Andruzzi Foundation. Please consider donating now to this important cause.

Thank you for your contribution.

Corporate Partners with Heart

2011-02-15T11:26:00.001-08:00

Some relationships are forged together by destiny. Joe met Terry Buckley, an operations manager at Triumph Modular (www.triumphmodular.com), because Terry’s nephew not only was born with Down Syndrome, but also was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in 2007. The friendship continued as both men are persistent in helping others fight their battles with cancer.

Terry capitalized on his company’s mission of social action by aligning their efforts with the Joe Andruzzi Foundation. Triumph initiated a campaign by donating a percentage of each order placed to the Joe Andruzzi Foundation. They hope their customers will participate by making donations as well. To visibly show their support, Triumph affixed the Joe Andruzzi Foundation logo to all purchased office modules.

We are so grateful to companies like Triumph for helping us work towards our goal of doubling the amount of grants issued in 2011. Now your company can show its heartfelt dedication to making a difference for cancer patients and their families, too. If you’re interested in exploring corporate partnership opportunities, contact us at info@joeandruzzifoundaiton.org.

-Jen Andruzzi

Starting the New Year

2011-01-28T11:31:00.000-08:00

Each new year we start off with personal and professional resolutions. These are our promises to do things differently in the year ahead. How long do they last – a day, a week, a month?

There’s one resolution that I’m passionately committed to pursuing. As part of the Joe Andruzzi Foundation, we will keep helping cancer patients and their families. It’s easy for Joe and I to find the time it takes to visit with them and share common experiences. The harder part is assisting them with the everyday costs that pile up when caring for a loved one with long-term illness.

That’s where you can help. Pledge to support the Joe Andruzzi Foundation so we can reach more families than last year. Keep checking our website www.joeandruzzifoundation.org for details on upcoming events and the stories of some of the families we’re touched.

-Jen Andruzzi

A Year in Review

2010-12-23T08:25:00.000-08:00

2010 flew by and I can’t believe it’s time to enter a new calendar year already. What an amazing year of transition and growth for the Joe Andruzzi Foundation. To date we have raised $400,000 for the purpose of helping cancer patients and their families. From that total, we donated $75,000 to Dr. Mark Kieran at Children’s Hospital for pediatric brain cancer research.

We invested this year in getting our messages out to more people by launching a website www.joeandruzzifoundation.org, sending out two newsletters about our activities and increasing the frequency of our blogs to let you know what’s happening. Joe and I have visited dozens of patients undergoing treatments, connected with many families going through the treatment/recovery process and spoke at other organization’s fundraising events.

The Second Annual Joe Andruzzi and Friends Golf Tournament at TPC and the Third Annual New England Celebrities Tackle Cancer Gala at Christina’s both brought communities of supporters together to raise money for a great cause. We also held our first events for patients like Dream Camp and Codzilla as well as two successful blood and bone marrow drives. The Foundation even had a booth at the Sports and Fitness Expo over marathon weekend, formed a Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk team and rode with the Patriot Platelet Peddlers in the Pan-Mass challenge.

We are getting the right people in place and growing as an organization thanks to the contributions of our tremendous Board of Directors. They are helping us to clarify our message and share our passion for inspiring others to strengthen our organization.

There are many more families we would like to help, so please consider making a end of year, tax-deductible donation now on our website. Our 2011 is looking bright. The Joe Andruzzi Foundation plans to help more cancer patients and their families, donate more funds to support pediatric brain cancer research and move closer to extending awareness for our mission and vision.

On behalf of the entire Andruzzi family, I wish you a happy and healthy new year,

Jen Andruzzi

Generosity and Gratitude

2010-11-23T05:10:00.000-08:00

As we begin our annual preparations for the Thanksgiving holiday, those of us who are fortunate think about what to cook or what to pack if we’re traveling. It’s a holiday that reminds us to enjoy family, friends and the special people who touch our lives each day and make them unique.

I have so much to be thankful for this year that it’s hard to know where to begin. The least I can do is shed some light on something for which we’re very appreciative. At our recent gala, two families did something so selfless that I wanted to share it with all of you.

Mary Kate is an 8-year-old non-Hodgkin’s Burkitt’s lymphoma patient that Joe visited at Children’s Hospital. Perhaps the connection formed because she’s the same age as one of our son’s or because she has the same cancer as Joe experienced. After a memorable visit, we continued to keep in touch with her family and asked them to join us at our gala. They all had a wonderful time from taking pictures with Joe’s Super Bowl rings to scoping out the auction items.

Mary Kate must have had her eye on the Mary Poppins tickets and trip to New York City. Not wanting to deny her of this simple pleasure, her family hovered by the bidding sheet until it became cost prohibitive. I’m sure her parents were devastated not to be able to get this gift for their brave daughter.

That’s when two generous sponsors stepped in to help. They stood by the bidding sheet relentlessly raising the amount until they won the item. Then they gave this gift of a theater trip to Mary Kate’s family along with train tickets to New York City for all of them.

I feel blessed and thankful to have donors and sponsors that appreciate what we’re trying to do and jump in to make a difference for a patient. This generous donation not only made Mary Kate feel special, but also contributed to help other families that need financial support with parking, rent/mortgage or utility bills because the auction funds our grant program.

As a Foundation, we cannot continue giving grants to families in need without your generous contributions. There are so many things you can do for patients directly or anonymously. Help us help all of those patients who should focus on their treatment rather than financial stress. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, give us another reason to be grateful.

--Jen Andruzzi

A Night to Remember

2010-11-11T15:30:00.000-08:00

Those of you who joined us at our third annual New England Celebrities Tackle Cancer event know what I’m talking about when I say the energy in the room was electric! It’s so exciting to see how much this event has grown in three years.

We had 758 attendees and raised $272,115, both of which are record-breaking numbers that exceeded our expectations. Growing our Foundation is a dedicated effort by our Board, supporters and volunteers. We could never do this alone.

Thank you to the patients who attended and remind us why we do all this work. Special thanks to our master of ceremonies Dale Arnold and Kimberly Alexander of the Tackle Cancer Foundation for inspiring us with your words and your actions.

I’d love to hear your comments on what made the event memorable for you.

--Jen Andruzzi

The Insider’s Story

2010-09-29T08:46:00.003-07:00

Often I get asked questions about why we raise money for pediatric brain cancer research as well as to help patients and their families with every day bills. Basically, everything we do is based on personal experience. Here is more of our story (http://joeandruzzifoundation.org/wp/our-story/).

The first year that Joe was playing for the New England Patriots was a tough transition for me. I’d left my job and family behind, but was raising two children. In our spare time, Joe and I visited ill patients because we both were passionate about making a difference.

You know that we met C.J. Buckley in 2001 soon after he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. I can’t put my finger on what made meeting C.J., his parents, sister and grandmother different than all the others. Was it that his parents were dedicated to getting him the best possible care in the world like we would? Was it our Italian heritage connection? Was it that our kids connected despite their different ages? I still remember C.J. playing video games with my son even when he wasn’t feeling well. I see my kids doing the same now for other kids who are struggling.

Then in 2002, C.J. went into the hospital just before Thanksgiving. We met his wonderful physician Dr. Mark Kieran at Children’s Hospital Boston and knew that C.J. was in the best possible hands. However, C.J. passed away just a few days later. I hired babysitters so I could bring coffee and bagels to the Buckley’s house every morning. We attended the funeral and were moved listening to his father talk about C.J. as his personal hero.

This family that embraced us also inspired us to do something. Joe and I wanted to keep this from happening to other children as well as show the Buckleys how much they meant to us. We decided to start a fund in C.J.’s memory and the Buckleys chose Dr. Kieran as the recipient.

Lucy Buckley, Jane Melchionda, Carter Buckley, Dr. Mark Kieran, Joe and Jen Andruzzi

Dr. Kieran is the top physician and researcher for pediatric brain cancer. Nothing will prevent him from finding a cure. He’s unstoppable. Dr. Kieran also is special because he can translate the most complex issues into simple words that anyone can understand. To us he’s a Board member, a friend and someone we hope our children will admire as much as we do.

So shouldn’t the story end here? Not exactly. We knew that there were many cancers other than brain cancer. We also felt very fortunate that when Joe was battling cancer we didn’t worry about how to pay for hospital parking, our mortgage or child care. Sadly, disability doesn’t provide for a family and many struggle with these issues.

While Joe was undergoing his treatment for non-Hodgkin’s Burkitt’s lymphoma, I tried to distract myself by learning more about what other foundations did to help families with these payments. I couldn’t find much at all. So when Joe was healthy it was clear how we could help other patients and their families alleviate these concerns and focus on healing.

Continue to visit the Make a Donation page (http://joeandruzzifoundation.org/wp/make-a-donation/) of our website and read some of these stories or attend our gala on November 1 to meet many of our recipients in person.

Braiden Norton and Joe Andruzzi

Please join us in reaching out to more families by donating what you can now.

--Jen Andruzzi

Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk

2010-09-07T08:44:00.000-07:00

Some moments in our lives we remember more than others. Registering as part of the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund in August 2007 was one of those moments for me. Joe was recently diagnosed and two months into his treatment for non-Hodgkin’s Burkitt’s lymphoma. I wanted to do more than take care of my family. I needed to find a way to help others and myself during an emotional struggle.

That September, I started the 13 mile walk with four other women. We all were chatting about why we were there. Then, as the journey continued, we passed walkers on crutches, parents pushing strollers, children and grandparents. We also saw survivors and those who have lost loved ones. Nothing would stop these determined walkers and I knew nothing would stop me either from pushing on to help others.

This year, the walk will take place on Sunday, September 12. You still have time to join the Joe Andruzzi Foundation walk team; there are four different walking routes. Joe and I will be walking the 5 mile route with our four children. To join our team, visit http://www.jimmyfundwalk.org/2010/joeandruzzifoundation. Or, you can sponsor a walker. It doesn’t need to be a big contribution. Please consider taking the money you spend on a morning coffee or a bagel and use it to sponsor our team http://www.jimmyfundwalk.org/2010/jenandruzzi. Please tell your friends and family, too. All funds raised by the Joe Andruzzi Foundation walk team benefit the Office of Patient and Family Assistance. I know these families appreciate your help.

-Jen Andruzzi

Dream Camp

2010-08-24T11:41:00.001-07:00

From the day of diagnosis through treatment, side effects and evaluations, cancer patients have a tough road to recovery. We’ve been on that road and remember that it’s the simple gifts in life that make a difference.

The Joe Andruzzi Foundation teamed up with the New England Patriots to bring patients and their families up close and personal with some of their local football heroes. Known as “Dream Camp,” we gave about 20 patients per event from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and their families the opportunity to get outside and away from worrying about the transfer of germs.

Those who attended on August 2 enjoyed an indoor practice session from a suite. On August 3 and 10, attendees watched the players from the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation tent. Joe brought his Super Bowl rings for the kids to try on in addition to taking photos and signing autographs.

The response from families was overwhelmingly positive. It was a memorable event for everyone. Thank you very much to the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation for generously donating gift bags that topped off a spectacular outing.

--Jen Andruzzi

Caregivers Preparing for the Pan-Mass Challenge

2010-07-28T15:32:00.000-07:00

Patty Shostek and her four lovely daughters

Despite the summer heat here in New England, Patty Shostek and I have been out on our bikes preparing for another Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC). For both of us this is our second year riding with the Patriot Platelet Pedalers, but for Patty the journey is especially meaningful. Last year, she rode with her husband, Todd, who passed away one month after the ride from pancreatic cancer at the young age of 47. Todd even received the "most valuable pedaler" award from the team.

Todd Shostek

As former caregivers, Patty and I have seen this horrible disease up close and personally. We had young children to care for along with our husbands. Both of us learned to be strong yet accept the help of our friends and families.

Please help us fund cancer research and help many others fight their battles. http://joeandruzzifoundation.org/wp/make-a-donation/

-Jen Andruzzi

Young Inspiration

2010-07-12T16:47:00.000-07:00

As any parent will agree, we can tell our kids something hundreds of times and never know that it registers. We also offer stories of hope, inspiration and courage to help them through the tough times based on our own experiences. We want them to know that they’re not the only ones to feel a certain way.

In fact, that’s exactly what Joe and I do when meeting with families in the cancer community. It gives us great pleasure to help others through a similar situation. We relied on so many people ourselves. I think that’s why I was so touched by this story.

Kevin Rich, age 5, complained about knee pain one day and was diagnosed with leukemia the next. During treatment, Kevin’s mom, Cara, talked about famous people that had beaten cancer to help Kevin remain positive. Introduced through a mutual connection, Joe visited Kevin and his family just three months after Kevin’s diagnosis. (For more of Kevin’s story see http://joeandruzzifoundation.org/pdf/SpringNewsletter.pdf)

More than a year later, Cara watched Kevin and his younger sister, Hannah, bring EVERY stuffed animal to the kitchen. Kevin announced to the stuffed animal “fans” sitting in the “stadium” that they were about to watch a football game. Then Kevin declared that he played for the Patriots and used to have cancer. The question posed to the “fans” was whether any of them wanted to take a picture with him.

Cara asked more specifics about this game. Kevin said he was a certain football player that had cancer and was helping out the kids that also had cancer to make them feel better. “You know, mom, like Joe Andruzzi,” Kevin said.

I thanked Cara for sharing this incredible story and it warmed my heart to know that we’re actually connecting with fans of all ages. This makes everything we do with the Joe Andruzzi Foundation worthwhile. Parents take note --- keep sharing the stories and guiding your children. It’s working!

--Jen Andruzzi

Codzilla Cruise

2010-07-01T18:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the Joe Andruzzi Foundation took 20 Jimmy Fund patients and their families on the Boston Harbor Cruise, Codzilla Thrill Ride. Joe and his family joined 100 guests on a beautiful summer day on Boston Harbor. It is not often kids get a chance to go out on a boat and this one was a “beast!”

After each family took pictures with Joe, while wearing his three New England Patriots Super Bowl rings, everyone climbed aboard to experience the legend of Codzilla, firsthand. Kids (and parents) screaming, music blaring and water splashing all made for an exciting, wet ride around the harbor. And, the perfect ending for this fun-filled adventure on Codzilla? Ice cream cones for everyone!

It was the perfect summer day for the kids to get out of the clinic and take a break from treatment for an afternoon. Patients and their families enjoyed the fast turns and salt water as they sped out of Boston Harbor. “Getting wet was awesome!” said one patient as we docked the Codzilla.

The Joe Andruzzi Foundation wants to help put smiles on the faces of patients and their families. By doing outings like the Codzilla our hope is that it gives the patients and families a time to enjoy each other. We look forward to making the Codzilla Thrill Ride an annual event.

Jen Andruzzi

Another Successful Golf Tournament!

2010-06-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

A great time was had by the 103 golfers that took advantage of the beautiful day on June 14 at TPC in Norton for the second annual Joe Andruzzi and Friends Golf Tournament. Thank you to the 20 celebrities who joined us on the course, our dedicated sponsors and fabulous volunteers that made the day a great success.

The highlight always is the end of the day when a young cancer patient gets to ride in a helicopter to drop the golf balls for the 18th hole raffle. This year, two lucky winners were tied as closest to the pin.

--Jen Andruzzi

Joe Andruzzi & Friends Golf Tournament!

2010-05-25T07:29:00.000-07:00

The second annual Joe Andruzzi and Friends Golf Tournament will be played on Monday, June 14th at the TPC Boston in Norton, MA. This is a fun, low-key event -- and it will be played on one of the best courses in New England all to benefit The Joe Andruzzi Foundation.

No promises, but Joe is hoping to avoid a repeat of last year's 'runway golf cart' episode at the end of the day. Food, fun and fabulous prizes will greet you as you join in the fight to tackle cancer!

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!

Blood and Bone Marrow Drive, Monday, May 17, 2010

2010-05-19T05:07:00.000-07:00

A steady stream of supporters took time out of their day to join us on Monday at our first blood drive and bone marrow registry event. Held at the Holiday Inn Mansfield/Foxboro, this was a great success.

In total, 91 people donated blood to Children’s Hospital for patients in need. Additionally, 126 people joined the Be The Match Marrow Registry (www.marrow.org). The process is simple. Just complete paperwork, get a cheek swab and then be on call potentially to save a life. The bone marrow donation process is simple and many donors are back to their normal routine in just a few days.

Thanks to the many volunteers and sponsors who made this event possible. Hope to see you at our next drive!

--Jen Andruzzi

Blood and Bone Marrow Donation

2010-05-11T20:08:00.001-07:00

When you find a friend or family member struggling with illness or tragedy, what is your instinct? Most likely you ask them what you can do to help.

Thousands of patients both young and old are fighting leukemia and other blood related diseases. Relatives often are your best chance for a match, but if it’s not a match then you need to search for a donor. These patients and their families rely on blood and bone marrow donations to save their lives. Time is critical.

I met Gregg Madsen, a young, vibrant and athletic father of two, at a golf outing. He reached out to me again after being diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), a typically slow growing cancer found in older individuals. After several rounds of chemotherapy, it was determined by his doctors that he needed a bone marrow transplant to survive. After finding out that Gregg’s three siblings were not a match, they turned to Be The Match Marrow Registry (www.marrow.org) for help. Gregg and his family feel lucky that he found an unrelated donor that worked. Now, he asks just one thing from all of us and that is to spread the word about the importance of joining the Be The Match Marrow Registry.

So what can you do to help Gregg and many other like him? Please join us at a blood and bone marrow drive on Monday, May 17 from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm at the Holiday Inn Mansfield/Foxboro, 31 Hampshire Street, Mansfield, MA. For more details, please visit http://joeandruzzifoundation.org/wp/events.

Thanks for saving a life!

Joe Andruzzi

How do we pick our heroes?

2010-03-31T19:25:00.000-07:00

Heroes often are personified as athletes, actors, musicians, teachers, doctors, nurses, firefighters, police officers, etc.. However, real heroes are ordinary people like you and me doing extraordinary things.

To me, heroes are the cancer patients, who are fighting the fight of their life. The one difference between my heroes and yours are that mine do not get to choose this daunting task. The job of a cancer patient is one no one would choose.

Let me tell you more about one of my heroes, who we will call Jane to protect her identity. Jane is a breast cancer patient. She is a wife, mother of two, daughter, sister, friend, employee, treasurer of the PTA at her children school, Relay For Life committee member and much much more. Not only does she do all of the things I just listed, but also drives 40 minutes into Boston to receive weekly treatment. The kicker for me is that Jane is always smiling. Why does Jane do this? It’s to show that she refuses to change the sunny person she’s always been. Cancer can’t take that away.

Our children grow up and say to us I want to be a lawyer or teacher or firefighter. No one ever says I want to be a cancer patient. What can we do as parents to teach our children to always be strong? How do we give them the strength and courage to face a difficult situation for themselves or others? Jane's parents must have taught her many of these things because I don't know anyone as strong. We all wake up differently. Yesterday, I woke up saying to myself I am way too tired and pressed the snooze button on my alarm clock four more times. Imagine waking up and wondering how you are going to get through the morning after being so tired from chemotherapy treatment plus getting the kids on the bus and off to school before emailing your boss a report she is waiting for by noon. Then you get up and your feet are throbbing when you touch the ground because you have neuropathy from all the chemotherapy you are having pumped into your body. There’s no snooze button for this scenario and it’s a job that cancer patients don’t get to quit!

That is exactly why all cancer patients are my heroes. Cancer patients choose survival at great costs. They balance more than most of us do in a day for themselves, their families and friends.

In the month of April, I challenge you to post a comment about your own personal hero. These stories will empower all of us to fight through another day.

Jane- you know who you are. I love you and you are truly my #1 hero!

2010 Joe Andruzzi Foundation Calendar of Events

2010-03-21T06:34:00.000-07:00

April 16-18, 2010
Stop by and see us at the Sports & Fitness Expo Booth #2829 at the Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston Street, Boston.

April 18, 2010
Hear Joe Andruzzi speak at 2:00 p.m. at the Sports & Fitness Expo at the Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston Street, Boston.

May 17, 2010
Donate blood and become a member of the National Bone Marrow Registry from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Mansfield Holiday Inn, 31 Hampshire Street, Mansfield, MA.

June 14, 2010
Spend your day playing a round of golf at the Joe Andruzzi and Friends Annual Golf Tournament at TPC, 400 Arnold Palmer Boulevard, Norton, MA.

November 1, 2010
Rub elbows with some of New England's VIPs at the New England Celebrities Tackle Cancer Gala at Christina's, Foxboro, MA.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for these events for more information please contact Jen Andruzzi by phone at 508-838-8198 or email jafoundation@me.com.

Jothy Rosenberg

2010-02-18T11:08:00.000-08:00

Can you remember watching someone who really inspired you to do something that seemed impossible? Perhaps it was at the gym or at work or even on television. Last year, as I participated in my first Pan-Mass Challenge, that person for me was Jothy Rosenberg, an incredibly tenacious cancer survivor. At first sight, I watched an above the knee amputee tackle the race and was impressed to push myself through the course’s challenges and finish one day’s worth of cycling.

As I learned more about his story, I could relate first-hand about fighting back, recovering and thriving. Like Jothy, I am used to overcoming the odds. When cancer hit our family, we worked as a family team alongside the best physicians to face it head on, keep the faith and rally together to beat it. I encourage you to read this inspiring account and take away some valuable life lessons on how to deal with major life challenges.

Please click here to view a piece that Jothy wrote originally for his book, "Who Says I Can't." It shares why he wrote the book, gives speeches, keeps blogging, rides in the PMC and so on.

Joe Andruzzi

Relay For Life

2010-02-08T19:35:00.000-08:00

For the past two years I have been the Fight Back Co-Chair for the Mansfield, Massachusetts Relay For Life. When I arrived at my first meeting in 2008, I was welcomed warmly by many. Now I consider this group of dedicated participants my Relay For Life family.

Although everyone comes for a different reason, we support each other to Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back. As you can imagine, my connection is very personal. When Joe was told that he was in remission, it was the happiest day of my life. However, he had so much healing ahead. The doctors told him that it could take up to year to start feeling himself again.

A year, I thought, that was longer than either of us expected. How would we fill our time to make sure that it passed quickly? Ironically, that is when I found an article in the local paper on Relay For Life. The woman in charge was so excited about my outreach that she signed me up immediately as the Fight Back co-chair.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010 is the big KICK OFF night for the Mansfield Relay For Life. I encourage those who are local to join me at Mansfield High School, starting 7:00 p.m., to learn more. I would welcome your support on our team or even inspire you to form your own. Mansfield's Relay in 2009 had 121 teams, 1,750 participants, over 200 survivors and raised $422,693.00. If you are unable to make the meeting this evening check out the Mansfield's Relay website http://relayforlife.org/mansfieldma.

For those outside of this area, I urge you to look at the ACS website http://relayforlife.org/relay/ and find out more about your local Relay For Life. Become a volunteer, a participant or even co-chair of your local Relay.

Happy 2010!!!!

2010-01-19T07:34:00.000-08:00

Please forgive me for not posting since before the holidays.

First let me say I pledge to all of our wonderful Joe Andruzzi Foundation followers that I will be posting more frequently in 2010. You all do so much for the foundation I owe it to you to share what the foundation is doing on a weekly/ bi-weekly basis. I truly do have so much to share with everyone. Now this is going to sound silly, but so true. I realized after watching "Julie and Julia" that my posts don't have to be perfect like a columnist the words just have to be typed as if I was speaking to all of you out loud. Now I love to talk so that should not be a problem.

Let me catch you up on what Joe and I have been up to for the last month and a half.

On December 11, 2009 Joe, Credit Union Kids at Heart, Lucy and Carter Buckley and I went to Children's Hospital Boston and presented Dr. Mark Kieran with a $50,000 check to the C.J. Buckley Brain Cancer Research Fund. During our visit we were able to meet a few patients. Let me tell you something, I think these kids know something we don't know about being tough. To be tough you have to do it with a smile. The smiles on the kids faces we met were amazing. Here they are sitting in their hospital beds and all they can do is smile. Amazing! Needless to say every time Joe and I go to the hospital to visit patients we walk out smiling because the patients give us the encouragement to keep doing what we are doing.

Photo: Dr. Lucy Buckley, Jane Melchionda, Credit Unions Kids at Heart, Carter Buckley, Dr. Mark Kieran, Joe Andruzzi, Jen Andruzzi and Joseph Sarno

During the whole month of December Joe visited some local families at their homes that are battling cancer to give them some encouraging words.

Photo: Joe Andruzzi and one of JAF's champions, Kevin

Once our children were home on winter break Joe and I each said to each other let's turn off the working clock and spend time our family and friends. I have to share with you the most important thing Joe and I learned during the time he was sick in 2007 was to live everyday to it's fullest and to hold your loved ones as close as you can. That is exactly what we did. We spent as much time as we could with our family and friends during the kids winter break.

Now here we are the 3rd week in January with so many things to tackle in 2010. Here are just a few things that the Joe Andruzzi Foundation WILL tackle in 2010.

Partnering with local cancer institutes to make sure we are we are doing our best to help with patient and family programs.

Launching the official Joe Andruzzi Foundation web site which will share how each and everyone of you can help lead the fight to tackle cancer.

Raising awareness in New England about donating blood, platelets, stem cells and becoming a member of the National Bone Marrow Registry.

Lastly let me say over the holidays we had some of our Joe Andruzzi Foundation families lose their loved ones to the terrible disease of cancer. Please pray for those families that have lost loved ones in 2009 and in the beginning of 2010. God bless each and everyone of those families!

Now let's tackle cancer!

Glee Gifts Event to benefit the Joe Andruzzi Foundation!

2009-11-25T10:35:00.001-08:00

Our friends at Glee Gifts in the Shops at Chestnut Green in Foxboro, MA are hosting an event to benefit the Foundation on Tuesday, December 1st from 5pm to 9pm. 10% of all sales (with a few exceptions) will benefit the Joe Andruzzi Foundation! Come out for a great evening of gifts and goodies - make a dent on that shopping list while doing good. See you there!

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1ST: 5pm - 9pm

Glee Gifts

The Shops at Chestnut Green
121 Main Street (Rte. 140)
Foxboro, MA 02035

Drum Roll Please

2009-11-20T07:39:00.000-08:00

The 2nd Annual New England Celebrities Tackle Cancer
Gala's grand total is in, $227,765 !!!!!!

With all of your generosity and support we were able to raise an amazing amount of money that is going to help the Joe Andruzzi Foundation in it's mission; funding cancer research, assisting cancer institutes in achieving the highest level of patient care possible and by providing financial assistance to cancer patients and their caregivers.

Thank you to all of our generous sponsors!

A huge THANK YOU to our Presenting Sponsor, Credit Unions Kids at Heart. 100% of their sponsorship will be going to the C.J. Buckley Brain Cancer Fund at Children's Hospital Boston.

At the gala the attendees had the chance to be the first to purchase a "web seats".

We are excited to announce the JoeAndruzziFoundation.org website will launch in early 2010. In preparation of the new site, we introduced the Joe Andruzzi Foundation Stadium Seating where you will be able to share a "well wish" & personal photo on the site. For a donation of $100, your wish and photo will be uploaded to a special fan section where it will pop up when clicked. Your well wish and photo will remain on the site for one year and can be renewed thereafter. 100% of the proceeds on the sale of these "web seats" benefit the Joe Andruzzi Foundation.

Thank you to our New England Celebrities Honorary Committee for their support!

At the gala attendees had the chance to purchase a Patriot Autographed Football with the football came a Joe Andruzzi personalized sharpie to use to get MORE autographs from all of the current and past Patriot players. (These footballs that are sold at the event are the only things that are allowed to get autographed.) 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the Patriot Autographed Footballs goes to the Joe Andruzzi Foundation.

Surprise Gift Bags!

Continued on from last year's gala we sold our gift bags (which 100 of them had prizes in ranging from $100 Bob's Discount Furniture Gift Card to a autographed copy of Kelley Tuthill's new book "You Can Do This")
100% of the money raised by the sale of our gift bags goes to help patient parking at Dana Farber and the Jimmy Fund. This year we raised $5400 from our Surprise Gift Bag Sale.

A round of applause for the BEST two emcees and auctioneers anyone could ask for!

Dale Arnold and Marjorie Clapprood, thank you so much for your everything you do for the Joe Andruzzi Foundation in front of the scenes and behind the scenes. You guys are the best!

Thank you, everyone!!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

A Hearty Thanks and Welcome to our Sponsors!

2009-10-20T08:14:00.000-07:00

We are thrilled to welcome our sponsors for the Second Annual New England Celebrities Tackle Cancer! We thank each of these companies and individuals for believing in our mission!

Our Presenting Sponsor: Credit Unions Kids at Heart

Title Sponsor: Takeda Millenium

Touchdown Sponsor: Stop & Shop Corporation

Extra Point Sponsors:

Jay & Christy Cashman

Burgess Steel

Safety Sponsors:

Roche Bros.

Verizon Wireless

Holly McGrath & David Bruce

ISYS

Jack Morton

Encore

Bob’s Discount Furniture

UBS Lelas and Madigan/Linta

2009 New England Celebrities Tackle Cancer Honorary Committee

2009-10-07T14:49:00.000-07:00

We are thrilled to announce the lineup of the 2009 New England Celebrities Tackle Cancer Honorary Committee! We are so thankful for their support and encouragement of the work the Joe Andruzzi Foundation is doing. Please join us for this amazing event on November 2, 2009. Get your tickets soon! (Hey - click right over there on the right!)

Sponsorship Opportunities!

2009-10-01T14:45:00.000-07:00

There are many sponsorship opportunities available for the Second Annual New England Celebrities Tackle Cancer event on November 2nd! Take a look below and get in touch to make this event the best one yet!

2nd Annual "New England Celebrities Tackle Cancer" Event

2009-09-02T13:56:00.000-07:00

Get ready everyone:

We are planning another fabulous event!

You don't want to miss it! Mark your calendars for the 2nd Annual "New England Celebrities Tackle Cancer" Event; Monday, November 2, 2009.

The 2009 New England Celebrities Tackle Cancer Honorary Committee list and more information on the event will be posted soon.

Stay Tuned!

You never know what celebrity names you will see on this year's honorary committee.

The 1st "Cruzin 4 A Cure"

2009-08-24T20:34:00.000-07:00

The 1st "Cruzin 4 A Cure" took place Saturday, August 22, 2009 (without RAIN, thank god)

127 bikers and 3 vehicles rode on Saturday to show their support on the road and over 200 people attended the days festivities.

The Dana Farber Bone Marrow Drive was a success! 30 people registered to join the National Bone Marrow Registery. Waaaaaaahhhhhhhooooooooo!!!

8 people were able to donate blood in the Mass General Blood Mobile. Amazing!

A fun time was had, awareness was made, and $5000 was raised to benefit the Joe Andruzzi Foundation and it's mission.

Thank you for helping us lead the fight to tackle cancer!

Jen and Joe Andruzzi

Cruzin' 4 a Cure - Saturday, August 22, 2009

2009-08-08T21:00:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to invite you to our 2nd Annual Joe Andruzzi Foundation Bike Run.

Joe and I are very excited to share this special day with everyone.
Come down and join us for a festive morning/afternoon for adults and children.
If you are not a member of the National Bone Marrow Registry
you will have to opportunity to learn about what it is to be a member of the NBMR and you can even join at the event.

Hope to see you all there!

The First Joe Andruzzi & Friends Golf Tournament

2009-07-24T20:52:00.000-07:00

The First Joe Andruzzi and Friends Golf Tournament numbers are in!

Drum roll please...

$73,000!!

We could not have asked for a better day for a golf tournament. Friday, July 10th was beautiful!

The day was started by the pro announcing the shot gun start, Joe blowing a blow horn in golfers ears (he will do anything to win) and that was just the beginning.

After all the golfers came off the course a helicopter flew over the 18th green. Now get this; the helicopter dropped 500 golf balls. All of the golf balls had numbers on them. Golfers and non golfers had a chance to purchase one golf ball for $10 to get the chance to win a MacBook Air. Closest golf ball to the hole won. B.J. Corey was the lucky winner he was 7" from the hole, congrats! !

Once the helicopter flew away everyone went inside for some fabulous food and to bid on some great auction items. During the presentation part of the evening John Deady, President of City Lights Electrical, presented the Joe Andruzzi Foundation with a check for $15,000, and the Foundation presented Mr. Braiden Norton a financial grant check for $2,500.

To end the perfect day Ernie Boch Jr.'s band Ernie and the Automatics performed. Did you know Boch is one of the largest car dealerships in New England - and he performs with one of the best bands in New England?! Rock on with your bad self!

Thank you to everyone for your support in the first Joe Andruzzi and Friends Golf Tournament.

Just wait until you see what we have in store for next year!

The Joe Andruzzi & Friends Golf Tournament!

2009-05-27T19:49:00.000-07:00

Announcing the Joe Andruzzi & Friends Golf Tournament!

Registration is open for the event on Friday, July 10, 2009 at Spring Valley Country Club in Sharon, Massachusetts.

Shotgun start: 11:00am - Scramble format

Cocktails 4:30pm

Dinner: 6:00pm

Raffles, auctions, entertainment and more!

Sponsorship opportunities abound for this amazing day of friends and fun (all while leading the fight to tackle cancer!) Download the full event brochure, sponsorship opportunities and registration form below!

Have questions about the event? Contact Jen Andruzzi at 508-838-8198

Download the brochure, sponsorship & registration form! Download the brochure & registration form! modamags Information, sponsorship and registration documents for the Joe Andruzzi & Friends Golf Tournament on July 10, 2009

Driving in Style

2009-05-05T17:29:00.000-07:00

Joe and I are driving proud in our vehicles with our new license plates. We both traded in our old plates and purchased the Conquer Cancer Coalition of Massachusetts plates.

I can't even explain how great it feels to be driving around with my new licenses plate. I feel like I am screaming out to everyone, FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!

Joe and I were lucky enough to meet the Zukers who founded Conquer Cancer. After we met them we immediately asked how do we get plates.

The Zukers are amazing people!

When life gives you bumps in your road, and I like to say sometimes pot holes, you have to put your two feet on the ground and say to the world "Nothing will knock me down today or tomorrow it will only make me stronger and smarter."

In life some people are given more bumps in their road then others and let me say the Zukers have not let their bumps keep them down, they have only made them stronger and smarter.

When Susan Zuker's husband, Michael, died of lung cancer in January 2004, she and her family knew they had to do something to honor both his life and his battle with the disease and they were determined to help others going through the cancer journey.

That year, Susan and her two sons developed the Conquer Cancer license plate for Massachusetts. At the same time, they founded the Conquer Cancer Coalition of Massachusetts, which receives all proceeds form sales of the plate.

For More Information on the Conquer Cancer Coalition of Massachusetts visit: info@conquercancer.org

Joe and I have met some wonderful people through our travels in the cancer world and I cherish each and everyone of them with all my heart. To all of you fighting this disease today, know that there are so many people fighting for you. Keep on fighting!

I can't wait to see the roads filled with Conquer Cancer plates. Order your plates now!

Proud owner of a Conquer Cancer plate,
Jen Andruzzi

Your Generosity Already Helping!

2009-02-14T22:12:00.000-08:00

Two very exciting things have already happened thanks to your generosity to the Joe Andruzzi Foundation!

The foundation awarded its first grant in the amount of $2500 to a wonderful single woman in Western Massachusetts. This strong, brave woman has been battling follicular non Hodgkin lymphoma for 11 years. She is now waiting to find a match in the National Bone Marrow Registry. She has been unable to work for some time. With the support of friends and family she keeps on fighting. Please add her to your thoughts and prayers. She needs your help too.

The C.J. Buckley Brain Cancer Research Fund at Children’s Hospital Boston, supporting pediatric neuro-oncology research and improved treatment outcomes for young patients and their families struggling with brain cancer will receive $75,000 from the proceeds raised at the “New England Celebrities Tackle Cancer” event in December.

The board of directors is working to finalize a system to facilitate of targeted grants that will help support patients and their caregivers.

The Foundation will make announcement about grants as plans are solidified in Spring-Summer 2009.

Stay Tuned!
Jen Andruzzi

Scenes From an Amazing Event

2009-02-04T13:23:00.003-08:00

I thought you would enjoy a few photographs from the “New England Celebrities Tackle Cancer” event.

The Andruzzi men (Joe, his father and brothers): Marc Andruzzi, William Andruzzi Sr., Joe Andruzzi, William Andruzzi Jr. and James Andruzzi

Matt Cassell and the very special Michael Shaw (wearing Matt's jersey)

Special shout out to all our friends from the New England Patriots!

Tedy Bruschi signs a football for a young fan.

The awesome C.J. Buckley (He's a fighter!)

Jen with Michael Shaw (he loved that microphone!)

Mark W. Kieran, M.D., Ph D. oversees the C.J. Buckley Brain Cancer Research Fund

Michelle Walsh, R.N., M.S., N.P.C., Joe Andruzzi and David C. Fisher, M.D. (Joe's Team!)

Joe and Michael Shaw

Jen's Team! Bev Williams, Jen Andruzzi, Laurie Ruegamer, and Daniel Caudiano

Emcee Dale Arnold auctions a fabulous item

One of the many fabulous auction items!

Auction wranglers Peter Riddle and Lori Magno

The Results Are In!

2009-02-04T13:23:00.001-08:00

Wowza! 2009 is moving right along and we are so excited to bring news of the first “New England Celebrities Tackle Cancer” event. The final tally raised at this fantastic event was an amazing (drumroll please!) $182,922.10!

I have struggled to find the right words to thank you for all of your support. Your support took so many forms - purchasing tickets to the event, donations, kind letters, bids on the dazzling auction items, and most of all believing in our foundation.

I have nothing but love and thanks for the dozens and dozens of volunteers, virtually the whole starting lineup of the New England Patriots and our amazing emcees Dale Arnold and Marjorie Clapprood.

The night would not have been possible without our generous sponsors:

Millennium Pharmaceutical
Stop & Shop
Burgess Steel
Jay and Christy Cashman
Lighthouse
Barrows Insurance
City Lights Electrical Co., Inc.
EMC²
Encore Technical Services, Inc.
F & S Power LLC
Goddard School
Jack and Sara McConnell
Norfolk Power Equipment
Parkside Rotisserie & Bar and Hillside Auto Body
UBS Lelas and Madigan
Verizon Wireless

I would like to share my story from the event on December 1, 2008.

My heart was filled with joy that night; seeing all of the support in the crowd and feeling the support and love of the people that were not able to attend, but were there with us in spirit.

As I stood on the stage and looked into the eyes of the crowd I feel like I saw what the future holds; the promise to fight for a cure for all cancers, to fight for the best care for patients, and to continue the fight for others in their battles against cancer.

I hold so many pictures of the event in my heart; people who have beaten cancer, people that are fighting cancer and too many beloved ones sadly lost to cancer. I pledge to do my best to fight for the people in those pictures and all of the loved ones in your pictures and hearts.

We can do this together. We will do this together.

I thank you for your dedication and support in helping the Joe Andruzzi Foundation LEAD THE FIGHT TO TACKLE CANCER! Now let’s kick cancer’s butt!

With thanks,
Jen Andruzzi

2008-10-28T18:32:00.000-07:00

Tickets to the Foundation Event - Now Available!

You may now purchase tickets to the December 1, 2008 Joe Andruzzi Foundation event "New England Celebrities Tackle Cancer." Click the "Purchase Event Tickets" button at right to purchase up to four tickets at one time!

Join us for great food, amazing auction items and a whole lot of fun!

Even if you can't attend the event the Joe Andruzzi Foundation is grateful for support in any amount to help the fight against cancer! We have created a special PayPal button for quick and easy donations!

2008-10-28T18:23:00.001-07:00

Honorary Committee: "New England Celebrities Tackle Cancer"

Elizabeth Hasselbeck; Co-Host The View on ABC
Marjorie Clapprood; Marjorie Clapprood Associates
Chris Spinazzola; Managing Partner Stoneforge Foxboro and Christina's Functions
Anne Klayman; Executive Director of UCANE
Don Rodman; President of Rodman Ford
Greg Hill; Host of WAAF's, "The Hill-Man Morning Show"
Lisa Hughes; Anchor, WBZ-TV News
Dan Kraft; Director of the Kraft Group
Ray Bourque; Former Boston Bruin and Member of NHL Hall of Fame
Steve Ralston; New England Revolution
Scott Pioli; Vice President-Player Personal of the New England Patriots
Dante Scarnecchia; Assistant Head Coach-Offensive Line of the New England Patriots
Mike Woicik; Strength and Conditioning Coach of the New England Patriots
Andre Tippett; Former New England Patriot and Member of NFL Hall of Fame

New England Patriots Alumni
Steve Grogan
Peter Brock
Steve Nelson
Roland James
Scott Zolak
Don Hasselbeck
Max Lane

New England Patriots
Mike Vrabel
Larry Izzo
Matt Light
Ty Warren
Lonie Paxton
Dan Koppen

2008-10-06T14:39:00.000-07:00

The First Annual
“New England Celebrities Tackle Cancer”
To benefit the Joe Andruzzi Foundation

Monday, December 1, 2008
6:00–10:00pm
Christina’s
Route One - Foxboro, Massachusetts

6–8pm Silent Auction * 8pm Live Auction

Items include: sports memorabilia, vacations, gift baskets and bid on a game of pool with a member of the New England Celebrities Honorary Committee

***Please contact the foundation to become a sponsor: 508-838-8198

Title Sponsor—$25,000 includes:
* 30 Tickets to JAF Event (6 tickets are VIP accessible)
* Name/logo to appear on event banner, all event materials, all print, television, and radio
* Recognition in all pre and post-event press and podium presence at event
* Full page color ad in Program Book
* The opportunity to place branded materials in guest gift bags
* Logo displayed on JAF web page and newsletter
* Receive 4 “New England Celebrities Tackling Cancer” Autographed Items

MVP Sponsor—$15,000 includes:
* 24 Tickets to JAF Event (4 tickets are VIP accessible)
* Name/logo to appear on all event materials, all print, television, and radio
* Recognition of sponsor company and its representatives during event
* Full page color ad in Program Book
* Logo displayed on JAF web page and newsletter
* Receive 2 “New England Celebrities Tackling Cancer” Autographed Items

Touchdown Sponsor—$10,000 includes:
* 18 Tickets to JAF Event (2 tickets are VIP accessible)
* Full page black and white ad in Program Book
* Mention in media and press materials
* Logo displayed on JAF web page and newsletter
* Receive 1 “New England Celebrities Tackling Cancer” Autographed Item

Extra Point Sponsor—$5,000 includes:
* 12 Tickets to JAF Event
* Full page, black and white ad in Program Book
* Company listed with Sponsors on JAF web page and newsletter

Safety Sponsor—$2,500 includes:
* 8 Tickets to JAF Event
* Full page, black and white ad in Program Book
* Company listed with Sponsors on JAF web page and newsletter

Individual Tickets $125
* 1 Ticket to JAF Event